Three Bold Calls for Texas’ Showdown With LSU

Texas faces LSU in Baton Rouge on November 14, and three predictions for the matchup center on a strong rushing performance from Raleek Brown, a return to form for Colin Simmons and a turnover-heavy outing by the Longhorns’ defense.

Brown is tipped to rush for more than 100 yards despite LSU giving up only 84.7 yards on the ground per game, the SEC’s second-lowest figure. Texas has had trouble finding consistency on the ground, but Brown ran for 157 yards on 23 carries against Ole Miss and added 85 yards on 17 attempts last weekend. Establishing the run early could be a priority for Texas coach Steve Sarkisian.

Simmons is predicted to record three sacks as he continues working back from an ankle injury. He had 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss through his first six games, and still leads the SEC in sacks despite missing more than two games. After playing 18 snaps against Missouri, he could face an opportunity against LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was sacked four times by Alabama last weekend and has shown a willingness to leave the pocket and extend plays.

The third prediction is that Texas forces three turnovers. Leavitt has thrown nine interceptions in nine games, while LSU has committed 13 turnovers overall, including four lost fumbles. Texas has forced 10 turnovers in nine games. Simmons’ return, Rasheem Biles’ recent play and the Longhorns’ secondary are identified as potential factors in creating more chances to take the ball away.